Reading the assassin’s blade in TOG Series

Okay, fellow Throne of Glass fans, I just had to share my thoughts after finally delving into 'The Assassin's Blade'! Like many of you, I've seen the debates about when to read this collection of novellas. Should you read it first, before 'Throne of Glass,' or later, after 'Crown of Midnight,' as some suggest? I ended up reading it after the first two books, and let me tell you, it was an incredibly impactful decision. This book, officially 'The Throne of Glass Novellas,' isn't just a side story; it’s absolutely foundational to understanding Celaena Sardothien, our beloved fantasy assassin. Before this, I knew her as the sarcastic, fierce, and occasionally vulnerable assassin in Endovier. But 'The Assassin's Blade' takes us back to her life before imprisonment, detailing her time under Arobynn Hamel, the King of the Assassins. The OCR mentioned how the book provides "hints of things" and how "you're not prepared for it," and that couldn't be more true! It truly fills in so many crucial gaps, making her motivations and emotional scars so much clearer. Each of the five novellas – 'The Assassin and the Pirate Lord,' 'The Assassin and the Healer,' 'The Assassin and the Desert,' 'The Assassin and the Underworld,' and 'The Assassin and the Empire' – offers a glimpse into different facets of Celaena's training, her friendships, and her heartbreaks. We see her navigate dangerous missions, forge unexpected alliances, and experience betrayal that truly shapes the person she becomes. Especially her complex, often toxic, relationship with Arobynn. Reading about their dynamic gave me chills and a deeper understanding of why she carries so much pain and distrust. He's such a pivotal figure in her past, and this novella collection lays out that complicated history with brutal honesty. The OCR text described the ending as "crushing" and "fantastic," and I completely agree. There are moments of genuine joy and burgeoning self-discovery, but also profound loss and gut-wrenching betrayals that hit differently once you know the outcome of her story in the main books. It explains why she's so fiercely independent and guarded. Knowing what happens in the main series only amplified the emotional weight of these prequel stories for me. It’s a masterclass in character development, showcasing the journey of a young, arrogant assassin into someone far more jaded yet resilient. For anyone wondering about the reading order, I personally found reading it after 'Crown of Midnight' incredibly powerful. It felt like uncovering hidden memories, adding layers of depth to Celaena's character that I wouldn't have appreciated as much if I'd read it first. However, reading it first also has its merits, as it introduces her world and skills right from the start. Ultimately, there's no single "right" way, but I hope my experience helps you decide! This collection is indispensable for any fan wanting to fully grasp the intricate world and the deeply human core of the Throne of Glass saga. Don't skip it – you’ll thank yourself later for experiencing this fantastic, albeit crushing, part of her journey.